Submarine safety device



June 24, 1930. J. G. sTEELE SUBMARINE SAFETY DEVICE Filed Jan. 18, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l gwuerfioz Jam 6575515 attuned June 24, 1930. .1. e. STEELE SUBMARINE SAFETY DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 18, 1928 gwue'ntoz JOHN G Lj TEEL E- Patented June 24, 193%) cairn JOHN G. STEELE, OF LATROBE, IENNSYLVANIA SUBMARINE SAFETY DEVICE Application filed January 18, 1928.

This invention relates to submarine safety devices.

The present types of submarines are not equipped with means for supplying fresh air to operators entrapped in a sunken submarine, or with means for withdrawing stale and polluted air from the occupied compartments of the, submarine. More or less unsatisfactory. attempts have been made in cases where submarines have sunk, to attach air lines to various plugs in order, to supply fresh air to the men within the ship, but such attempts necessarily have been of little success owing to the makeshift means employed.

As is well known, the present types of submarines employ a double shell construction whereby they include outer ballast tanks into which water is admitted to permit the craft to submerge, and from which the water is pumped when it is desired to bring the craft to the surface. Obviously the raising of the ship is wholly dependent upon the proper operation of the pumps for expelling the water, and a submarine cannot rise unless the pumps are properly functioning.

In the event of the failure of the pumps, no-

satisfactory means has been found by which divers may expel water from the submerging compartments to permit the craft to rise or to lighten the craft to such an extent as to permit it readily to be lifted byderricks or similar devices.

One of the principal sources of danger to men entrapped in a sunken submarine is the lack of heat and food which results in lowered vitality and resistance, and thus the length of time the men are able to Withstand the hardships to which they are subjected is materially shortened.

An important object of the present invention is to provide novel means for supplying fresh unpolluted air to men entrapped in the operating compartments of submarines and to withdraw carbon dioxide contained in the air in the submarine.

A further object is to provide a device of the above mentioned character which also is adaptable for attachment to the ballast tanks of the submarine to supply air thereto Serial No. 247,694.

and Withdraw Water therefrom to lighten the craft to permit it "to rise to the surface or lighten it to such an extent that it readily may be lifted by a derrick or other suitable means.

A further object is to provide a device of the above mentioned character which also is applicable for use in supplying fresh air to men entrapped in the water tight bulkheads of marine craft other than submarmes.

A further object is to provide novel means for supplying liquid foods to the men entrapped in the operating compartments of submarines.

A further object is toprovide means for connecting wires from a suitable source of current to the operating compartments of submarines to permit men entrapped therein to plug into a suitable socket whereby they may operate electric heating devices or other electrically operated devices.

A further object is to provide, broadly, supply means for administering tov the comfort and health of men entrapped in a submarine, and to provide novel attaching means for the supply means.

A further objectis to provide connecting means associated with the hull of the submarine and supply means adapted to be attached to the connecting means, the connection of the supply means being adapted automatically to open the connecting attachment to permit the men entrapped in the craft to gain access to the supply means.

A further object is to provide a thimble forming an integral part of the hull of a submarine and adapted to communicate either with the ballasttanks or the interior compartments of the submarine and including means normally sealing the tanks or compartments from outside communication, and to provide means manually attachable to the thimble by divers operating outside the craft, the connection of, theattachable means being adapted to automatically'remove the sealing means whereby air, etc., may be supplied to men entrapped in the submarine, or whereby air may be supplied Figure 3 is a detail perspective view of the sleeve and associated elements,

Figure 4 is a central vertical longitudinal sectional view taken through the attaching device and sleeve, at right angles to the side of the subma 'ine, parts being shown in elevation,

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevation of the inside wall of a submarine compartment showing the device attached,

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view on line 66 of Figure 4,

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional View on line 77 of Figure 4, I

Figure 8 is a detail section of a modified form of closure plug and associated elements,

Figure 9 is a detail perspective view of the plug shown in Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a View similar to Figure 8 showing a further modified form of sealing means, and,

Figure 11 is a detail perspective view of an emergency closure plug.

Referring to Figures 1 to 7 inclusive, the numeral 10 designates a hull of a submarine provided with the usual outer and inner shells l1 and 12 forming ballast tanks 13 which are adapted to be filled with water to permit the submarine to submerge and to be pumped out to lighten the craft and permit it to rise to the surface. The craft is provided with the usual interior operating compartments 14, as will be apparent.

To permit the device forming the subject matter of the present invention to be connected to the hull of the submarine, the in: ner and outer shells are connected at a number of desired points by annular connecting members 15, as shown in Figure 4. As will become apparent, it is preferred that a nun1- ber of the members 15 be employed for each operating compartment of the submarine and for the ballast tanks whereby the supply device may be connected to any ballast tank or compartment regardless of the position of the sunken craft. In each of the members 15, a sleeve 16 preferably is threaded, and a pin 17 preferably is driven into the threads of the members 15 and 16 to positively prevent dislodgement of the latter. This pin is driven into coacting grooves 18 formed in the members 15 and 16. The sleeve 16 is provided in its outer end with a plurality of bayonet slots 19 for a purpose to be described. The inner end of the sleeve 16 is internally tapered as at 20 to receive a tapered plug 21, the inner end 22 of which is preferably cylindrical and extends a substantial distance into the sleeve. The plug 21 obviously is driven into position and forms means for sealing the compartments against the admission of Water, as will become apparent.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the outer end of the sleeve 16 is countersunk with respect to the outer face of the shell 11 and is flush with the inner face of an an nular recess 22' formed on the shell 11. A closure plate 23 is provided with an inner threaded portion 24 which engages in an enlarged threaded recess 25 formed in the outer end of the sleeve 16. The plate 23 is provided with an outer flat annular head 26 which seats in and fills the recess 22, the outer face of the closure plate being flush with the outer face of the shell 11. If desired, a gasket 27 may be arranged beneath the head 26. The gasket 27 may be of any desired type, but is preferably formed of copper. For the purpose of preventing corrosion of the closure plate, this element also preferably is formed of copper or similar non-corrosive material. Thus the closure plate readily may be removed in the manner to be described. In order to permit the removal of the closure plate, the head thereof may be provided with suitable recesses 28 formed in its outer face and adapted for engagement with a wrench element to be described.

The supply attachment includes a body portion 28, which is preferably cylindrical and internally threaded, and a handle 29 is connected thereto. A shaft 36 is threaded in the body and is provided at one end with a head 31 having lugs 32 projecting from the outer end thereof. These lugs are adapted to engage in the openings 28, in a manner to be described, to permit the removal of the closure plate 23. A depending crank arm 33 is carried by the head 31 and is provided at its lower end with an enlarged polygonal portion 34. An operating handle 35 is provided at its inner end with a head 36 having an internal opening corresponding in shape and size to and adapted to receive the polygonal portion 34 previously described. The lower end of the crank arm is provided with a pin 37 to prevent the interior of the craft, and

gathered in the recesses 28 may be cleaned out to permit the insertion in the openings of the lugs 32, for a purpose to be described.

The end of the body 28 opposite the head 31 is provided with a reduced projection 38 carrying a plurality of outstanding lugs '39 adapted to engage within the bayonet slots 19. One of the bayonet slots and its coacting lug 39 is preferably larger than the remaining similar elements whereby it will be apparent that the projection 38 can be connected to the sleeve 16 in only one position[ VVhen'the projection 38 is connected to the sleeve 16, rotation of the shaft 30 is adapted to cause the shaft to thread through the sleeve 16, the interior of this member between the tapered opening and the recess being provided with threads similar to those formed in the body 28. The shaft is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending passages 40, ll and &2, for a purpose to be described, the passage 40 preferably being somewhat larger than the other passages referred to. The passages in the shaft extending through the end thereof adjacent the projection 88, as shown in Figure 5. As will be described, the passage l-O preferably is employed for supplying "resh air to the the passage 41 is adapted to withdraw stale and polluted air therefrom, while the passage 42 contains a cable 4:3, through which extend wires 44: terminating at the inner end of the shaft in relatively small sockets 45 by means of which heating and similar devices may be connected to the wires 44. These wires obviously may be connected to a suitable source of current. As shown in Figure 7, the inner ends of the passages 40, ll and 42 terminate in radial openings 46, and these openings communicate respectively under certain conditions with attaching nipples l? extending radially through the body 28, these nipples in turn being connected to flexible hoses l8 extending to the surface of the water. Prior to the connection of the device with the hull of a submarine, the end of the shaft 30 through which the passages KlO, ll and 42 extend is normally covered by a threaded cap l9, and prior to the application of the cap 49, the free ends of the passages in the shaft are preferably filled with lard or other relatively thick grease to minimize the passage of water into the shaft while the device is being attached.

In the form of the device previously described, inward movement of the shaft 30 through the sleeve 16 is adapted to dislodge and remove the plug 21 which is held in position frictionally. In Figure 8 of the drawings a modified form of sealing means is shown, and in this form the frictional plug is replaced by a plug 50. This plug is similar in diameter and threads to the shaft 30 and is threaded through a sleeve 51, similar to the sleeve 16 previously described. The outer end of the plug is provided with projections 52 corresponding in size and arrangement to the inner ends ofthe passages l0, l1 and 4-2, and adapted to be received therein. The sleeve is normally covered' at its outer end by a closure plate 53 similar to the closure plate 23 previously described except that it is provided in the end of its threaded portion with an enlarged axial recess 54 in which the lugs or projections 52 are arranged. Obviously the closure plate 53 is adapted to be rotated to permit its removal, without affecting movement of the plug 50. I

In Figure 10 of the drawings a further modified form of sealing means is illustrated. In this form, the sleeve 16 is replaced by a somewhat similar sleeve 55 which is closed at its outer end by one of the plates 23. The sleeve 55 also is internally threaded intermediate its ends as at 56 to receive the end of the shaft 30, and inwardly of this threaded portion a seat 57 is formed in the sleeve and is adapted to be engaged by a ball 58. The ball is held in operative position by the heavy glass plate 59, while the latter is held in the sleeve by a ring 61 threaded in a somewhat enlarged threaded axial opening 62 formed in the inner end of the sleeve 55. Means is provided for permitting men entrapped in the craft to prevent water from flowing into the compartment in the event that either of the hoses 48 or associated connections should break. Referring to Figure 11, the numeral 63 designates a relatively long slightly tapered plug which may be driven into either of the passages 40, 41 01-42, if the necessity should arise. Obviously a somewhat larger plug 63 is provided for the'passage 4-0, since this passage is somewhat larger than the other passages.

The operation of-the apparatus is as follows:

When a submarine sinlrs due to a collision or the failure of the pumps to discharge water from the ballast tanks," the men entrapped in the various compartments often are uninjured, but their rescue of course, depends wholly upon the raising of the craft which is a very difficult undertaking and requires considerable time. The purpose of the present invention is primarily to supply fresh air to the entrapped men and to discharge from the submarine compartments the air therein which has become polluted with carbon dioxide due to the breathingof the entrapped men, and a further purpose of the invention is to provide electric current for operating heating devices whereby the men may be kept warm and comfortable.

and its associated hose 18, and

Assuming the submarine to have sunk, a diver submerges with the attachment and the parts thereof are placed in the position shown in Figure 1. The projections are inserted in the recesses 28, and the handle is rotated about the axis of the shaft whereby the device is employed as a wrench to remove the closure plate 23. As previously stated, the closure plate preferably is made of non-corrosive metal to prevent the sticking of the threads thereof and the filiing of the recesses 28, and accordingly the plate readily may be removed. After this is accomplished, the plug 21 serves as means for sealing the compartment against the ingress of water. The device is then reversed as shown in Figure 2, and the handle is lifted to the dotted line position shown in Figure 2 whereupon it may be swung outwardly and dropped to bring the head 36 into engagement with the polygonal end of the cranl; 38. The extension 38 is then slipped into the sleeve 16 and the lugs 39 are brought into engagement with the bayonet slots 19. As previously stated, one of the lugs 39 and one of the bayonet slots 19 are preferably slightly larger than the other corresponding elements whereby the device may be inserted in only one position. Prior so to its insertion, the cap l9 obviously must be removed, and the lard or other hard grease inserted into the ends of the passages in the shaft minimizes the water flowing into these passages.

As soon as the projection 38 is inserted into the sleeve 16 in the manner described, the operator rotates the handle 35, thus moving the shaft 30 inwardly. During the operation described, as well as during the removal of the plate 23, the device obviously may be supported by the handle 29. After the device has been connected to the sleeve 16 however, the operator may, if desired, release the handle 2 Continued rotation of the handle 35 causes the inner end of the shaft 30 to engage the plug, as shown in Figure a. At this point, the end of the shaft will have firmly engaged the threads within the sleeve 16 and the dislodgement of the lugs 39 from llllu bayonet slots will be positively p 'evented. As the shaft continues to move inwardly, it exerts a pressur against the tapered plug 21,,thus causing the latter to be forced inwardly into the compartment 1 The operator continues to rotate the handle 35 until the head 31 tightly engages the adjacent end of the body 28, at which time the outer radial ends of the passages 4C0, l1 and 1-2 will be arranged in alinement with their nipples A7. A suit able signal is then given to the surface operators, whereupon a force pump and a suction pump may be operated to force air into the compartment 141 through the passage l0 stale and 'partment may l8 for supplying polluted air may be withdrawn from the submarine compartment through the passage ll and its associated hose connection. Thus the air in the compartment may be maintained clean and fresh for an indefinite period of time, thus assuring life to the entrapped men and permitting the salvaging operations to be carried on to a successful conclusion. The men entrapped in the compartment may plug into the sockets 4:5 to operate heating devices whereby the combe maintained at a comfortable temperature. At intervals, the passage 10, which is relatively large, may be employed in connection with its associated hose food to the men in the submarine compartment.

As previously stated, each compartment is preferably provided with several of the sleeves 16 and associated elements so that suitable connection may be made with the device regardless of the position of the submarine. Obviously one ofthe devices may be connected to each compartment of the submarine whereby all the men in the various compartments may be maintained in good physical condition until the salvage operations are completed and the craft is brought to the surface.

The operation of the form of the invention shown in Figure 8 is substantially the same as that previously described except that the threaded plug is employed in place of the plug 21. The attaching of the device moves the lug 52 into engagement with the ends of the passages in the shaft whereby rotation of the shaft turns the plug 50 until it is removed from the sleeve 51 and drops into the associated compartment of the submarine.

In the form of the device shown in Figure 10, the inner end of the shaft engages and unseats the ball 58, thus causing the latter to break the plate glass 59 and fall into the submarine compartment.

In the event one of the hoses 48 should break, thus permitting water to flow into the submarine, the entrapped men may insert one of the plugs 63' into the shaft passage through which air is being pumped, thus preventing further leakage. Obviously, however, the passages in the shaft are not in communication with their associated hoses until the shaft has been turned inwardly to the point where the radial portions of the passages communicate with their respective connecting cables 47.

The inner end of the opening 40 is preferably threaded to permit a pipe fitting to be connected thereto. If there is water in the submarine compartment, therefore, the entrapped men may connect a hose to the passage AO and lead the free end of the hose to a point beneath the water in the compartment whereby this water may be pumped out through the passage 40 and its associated hose 48.

The device has been described as being associated with one of the interior compartments of the submarine for the purposes set forth, but it is not restricted to suchuse. The device readily may be connected with any of the ballast tanks 13 to permit water to be withdrawn therefrom. If sufficient water can be withdrawn, the submarine may be iloated, but in any case the craft will be lightened, thus rendering the raising of the craft more readily accomplished by cranes or similar apparatus. Marine craft other than submarines also may be provided with means for permitting the attachment to be connected thereto to supply air, etc., to men entrapped in the usual types of water tight bulkheads.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the apparatus comprises novel and easily attachable means which is particularly adapted for sustaining life in men entrapped in submarines whereby they may live substantially indefinitely and thus permit the salvage operations to be successfully carried out. It also will be apparent that the application of the invention for removing water from the ballasttanks greatly facilitates the completion of the salvage operations. It also will be apparent that two of the electric wires leading to the connecting device may be attached to telephones to per mit the men entrapped in the submarine to communicate with the men carrying on the salvage operations.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

1. The combination with a marine vessel h ving an interior compartment and including hull, of a sleeve extending through the hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, means normally sealing said sleeve and adapted to be removed therefrom upon the application of pressure against the outside of said means, supply means adapted for attachment to said sleeve, and means for locking said supply means to said sleeve, said supply means having a portion inwardly movable to exert pressure against said sealing means to remove .it from said sleeve. 7

2. The combination with a marine vessel having an interior compartment and including a hull, of a sleeve extending through the hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment fronr the outside of the hull, said sleeve being provided with a slot adjacent its outer end, a tapered plug driven into said sleeve from the inner end thereof, and supply means adapted for attachment to said sleeve, said supply means being provided with. a projection engageable in said slot to insure locking engagement with said sleeve, said supply means having a portion inwardly movable to exert pressure against and remove said plug from said sleeve.

3. The combination with a marine vessel having an interior compartment and including a hull, oi means extending through the hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, means normally sealing said first named means, a member adapted for connection to said first named means from the outside of the hull, and supply means carried by said member and movable inwardly with respect thereto to engage and remove said sealing means from said,

first named means.

4. The combination with a marine vessel having an interior compartment and including a hull, of a sleeve extending through the hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, said sleeve being provided with a plurality of spaced bayonet slots adjacent its outer end, means normally sealing said sleeve, a member adapted for connection to the outer end of said sleeve and provided with radial projections engageable with said bayonet slots to insure locking engagement with said sleeve, and supply means carried by said member and movable inwardly upon attachment of the. latter to said sleeve to engage said sealing means and remove it from said sleeve.

5. The combination with a marine vessel having an interior compartment and including a hull, of a sleeve extending through the hull and adapted to afi'ord communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, said sleeve being provided with a plurality of spaced bayonet slots adjacent its outer end, one of said slots being larger than the others, a plug arranged in the inner end of said sleeve, and supply means adapted for connection to the outer end of said sleeve, said means being provided with a plurality of radial projections engageable with. said bayonet slots to insure locking engagement with said sleeve, one of said projections being larger than the others to engage said large slot whereby the engagement may be made only iii-one position, said means including a threaded shaft movable inwardly upon rotation in one directionto engage said plug and remove it from said sleeve.

6. The combination with a marine vessel having aninterior compartment and including a hull, of a sleeve extending through the hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, a plug arranged in the inner end of said sleeve, a member adapted for connection to the outer end of said sleeve, a threaded shaft extending through said member and adapted upon rotation to engage said plug and remove it from said sleeve, said shaft being provided with a passage having its inner end extending through the inner end of said shaft and its outer end extending through the side thereof, means for limiting the inward movement of said shaft with respect to said member, said member having an opening therein adapted to communicate with the outer end of said passage when said shaft reaches its inner limit of movement, and a hose communicating between said opening and a source of supply arranged above the surface of the surrounding water.

7. The combination with a marine vessel having an interior compartment and including a hull, of a sleeve extending through the hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, means normally sealing said sleeve, a member adapted for connection to the outer end of said sleeve, a threaded shaft extending through said member and adapted upon rotation to engage said sealing means and remove it from said sleeve, said shaft being provided with a pas sage having its inner end extending through the inner end of said shaft, means for limiting the inward movement of said shaft, and means operative when said shaft reaches its inner limit of movement for connecting said passage to a source of supply arranged above the surface of the surroimding water.

'8. The combination with a marine vessel having an interior compartment and including a hull, of a sleeve extending through he hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, means normally sealing the inner end of said sleeve, a plate having a threaded portion engaging the outer end of said sleeve and normally sealing the latter, an elongated body, a threaded shaft extendin through said body, means carried y one end of said shaft and adapted to engage and remove saidplate upon rotation of said shaft in one direction, the end of-said body opposite said last named means being adapted for connection to the outer end of said sleeve upon removal of said plate, the end of said shaft opposite said last named means being adapted to'engage said sealing means and remove it from said sleeve, and means including a passage through said shaft for connecting the compartment to a source of supply arranged above the surface of the surrounding water and operative upon removal of said sealing means.

9. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 8 wherein said body is provided with an opening adapted to communicate with the passage in said shaft, said last named means including a hose connected to said opening. r

10. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 8 provided with means for limiting the inward movement of said shaft upon removal of said sealing means, said last named means being operativewhen said shaft reaches its inner limit of movement.

11. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 8 wherein said sleeve is internally threaded to receive the threaded end of said shaft as the latter moves inwardly to remove said sealing means.

12. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 8 wherein the end of said shaft adjacent the plate engaging means is provided with a depending crank arm having an enlarged polygonal lower end, a handle, and a head carried by said handle and surrounding said crank arm, said head having an opening therein corresponding in shape and size to and slidable on the polygonal end of said crank arm.

13. The combination with a marine vessel having an interior compartment and including a hull, of a sleeve extending through the hull and adapted to afford communication with said compartment from the outside of the hull, means normally sealing the inner end of said sleeve, and supply means for said compartment, said supply means including a body adapted for connection at one end with the outer end of said sleeve, a shaft threaded in said body and movable inwardly upon connection of the latter with said sleeve to engage and remove said sealing means, said shaft being provided with plurality of passages extending through the inner end thereof, the outer ends of said passages extending radial- 1y through said shaft, means for limiting the inward movement of said shaft, said body being provided with a plurality of radial openings adapted to communicate with the outer ends of said passages when said shaft reaches the inner limit of its movement, certain of said openings being adapted for connection with means arranged above the surface of the surrounding water for introducing into and removing air from the compartment, and electric wires extending through one of said passages and its corresponding opening and adapted for connection with a source of current above the surface of the surrounding water.

In testimony whereof I my signature. I

JOHN G. STEELE. 

